2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (208 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Porsche 944 (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | RX-8 | 944 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2390 mm |
